Plain and simple, it’s shocking. If you are in dentistry, you know. If you aren’t, even some of the smartest people you know, may not know! My friend Tina is a physician, a radiologist specializing in women. She is hyper vigilant about using all natural products including her mattresses, rugs, creams and foods. Tina is my go-to person when I …
Alaska Natives: Dental Care Without A Dentist
Increasing reliance upon Western diets has exacerbated problems with tooth decay in Native Alaska. Soda pop arrives by the crate to villages only reachable by plane, boat or snowmobile. Public water supplies of fluoridated water is rare. The underfunded Indian Health Service has had chronic difficulty hiring dentists to serve in remote communities. Even if they come, they often leave. …
Bad Breath: Can You Smell The Cause?
Can the odor be described as rotten, foul or unclean, musky, strong, pungent, rancid, rank? Dental professionals can strengthen their role as trusted gatekeepers of systemic and oral health by developing their sense of smell to diagnose breath malodor. It’s subjective nature is problematic. Sinusitis, allergies, smells in the operatory, diet and medications can all interfere with an accurate organoleptic …
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Eva’s Keynote Speech Influenced My Career Path: Improve Dental Care For Cancer Patients
Dear Eva, In January of 2012, when I was in college, I volunteered in the oral oncology department of the British Columbia Cancer Agency. During this time I was exposed to dentistry and the challenges faced by those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer, but I didn’t really connect the dots between cancer and dentistry at that time. I …
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Hospital Infections: Dental Biofilm
Dental hygiene is not part of the care patients are given. My dad is receiving treatment at one of the most acclaimed cancer centers in the world. In his hygiene package, he was given a tube of toothpaste, a mini hard-bristled toothbrush, and a Biotene mouth rinse. Due to the severity of my Dad’s operation, family members are by his side to …